LA Observed asks (and Doc Searls quotes): “Um, also, how much could Pasadena Now really be spending on journalists?” (link)
I could be wrong, but from what I understand, Pasadena Now is adding writers, not replacing them. James, if you’re reading this, can you comment?
Yes, we are ADDING writers. No American jobs are being lost or replaced. We have never employed any staff writers. In fact, this idea was born from the frustration I have felt at being unable to excite local investors in the internet’s power, unable to convince local advertisers that the internet is a great place to advertise, and yet still wanting to offer Pasadenans more and more content. (I, personally, only have so many hours in a day and dollars in the bank.) This idea was designed to do more community service with tight resources.
To develop internet communities require deep pockets. This is an innovative way. Good luck James. I am building global financial Securities Portal http://www.gcronweb.com from Bangalore, India.
If you have to hire Indian writers to cover local stories in Pasadena, then you shoudn’t be in the business you are in.
You could fill much of your needs with Interns who are required to publish while they attend j-school.
How can anyone take seriously a beat reporter covering local politics from a cubical in India?
Can we do nothing for ourselves anymore?
And, If you are not taking away jobs, you’re taking away opportunities for upstart journalists to practice their craft.
This is so pathetic– and so REPUBLICAN.
[redacted] said it all and said it well in his post.
The decision by James Macpherson should send anybody working at Pasadenanow(inIndia).com into a frantic job search because the publisher is clueless.
Anyone involved or interested in journalism understands immediately that this is a laughable, indefensible and telling move.
James, if you’re reading, can you comment? There has to be some sort of spin you can offer.
[...] In response to ELP post “I think they’re adding writers…” [...]
Maybe Pasadena Now should have invested in a copy editor instead of two Indian reporters. Or is this the work of an Indian reporter?
http://www.pasadenalivingmagazine.com/_ArticleManager/publish/article_2088.shtml
If you can’t catch a spelling error in the headline. maybe you need to refocus your resources. Yikes!!!!
I just refreshed my browser and Pasadena Now fixed their headline blooper. Originally, the headline read, “Double Muder Solved.”
Hi James, as an internet journalism professional in India, I see the merit in your decision. There is nothing so sacrosanct about community reporting…the same can be done by one of us in India. However, as long as you able to to either add or retain the local flavour in your reports, there would be no problem. I was surprised, though, that you gave up the idea so soon.
Rgds
Girish